Land and Ferry Travel to the United States You should be aware of your surroundings and take appropriate precautions to avoid any problems. We have been in Baja for the past two months and are sharing what van life is really like down here in 2021. Millions of travelers visit Mexico every year, and Its not entirely clear who owns the bars in Zona Norte, but the cartel or gangs likely exercise strict control over the place. The highest advisory level is Level 4: Do Not Travel. In the map, there are three types of crime: violent crimes, property crimes, and sexual crimes. Also, armed muggings can occur while stopped, especially in crowded cities, so try to limit how often you stop and plan your trip ahead to ensure youre taking the best routes. Ive never felt threatened by anyone in my life. Ensenada is a wonderful place to visit whether youre going from San Diego to Mexico for a short trip or going all the way around. Rosarito is generally safe, but avoid isolated areas of the beach, especially at night. This natural paradise is made of stone streets and uncrowded beaches but also features a ton of natural beauty and world-class waves. There is always a cartel presence in Baja California. Even if your GPS app suggests a better route, remember that it may not be safer, so try not to go off the main road too much. are not foreigners but Mexican nationals, but its essential not to wander around alone at night. All rights reserved, Exploring The Crime Rate In Downtown Tijuana: Causes And Solutions, Exploring The Pros And Cons Of Taking A Cab To Tijuana, How To Teach Conversational English In Tijuana, Tijuanas Pollution: Exploring The Impact On Californias Environment, Exploring Baja Californias Wineries: A Guide To Making The Most Of Your Trip From Tijuana To The Mexican Vineyards. Traveling to Baja Mexico in 2022 is still a possibility, however it is important to be aware of the current state of the region. Dont get caught up in the sensation of a sore thumb, and remember to use common sense. In 2016, there were reports of gun battles and drug-related violence in the city, and the U.S. State Department has issued a travel warning for the area. Travel to Cancn, Tulum and the surrounding areas in Quintana Roo is still considered safe, says Ruuska. Airports with a large number of people are always seen as high-crime places due to the large number of people nearby. Ensenada has only had five confirmed cases as of 4/16. You should pay traffic fines on the official. The city is a popular tourist destination, known for its sandy beaches, seafood restaurants, and duty-free shops. Thats assuming youre not doing things that could get you in trouble such as breaking the law, making a scene, or hanging out with the wrong people. Tijuana is safe to travel to with the family so long as you spend your time during the daylight hours and stick to the downtown areas such as Avenida Revolucin. Many police officers in Mexico are highly corrupt. Updated: Sep 16, 2022. Mexican Resorts Are Safe Places To Stay. The Advisory level for Mexico City is currently at Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution. Therefore, arranging private transportation is critical before visiting wineries in Guadalupe Valley. Some people may feel that Ensenda Mexico is safe to live in while others may not. (Updated January 2023) Ensenada has a thriving craft beer scene. There has been a high rate of kidnapping and crime in the state of Tamaulipas. While visiting Baja, you should always be ready for anything. That said, Mexico as a whole has been experiencing an uptick in violence in recent years, and San Felipe is located in a particularly dangerous region of the country. Always check theCDCs travel noticesfor warnings about hurricanes, Zika, and other diseases and natural disasters. Kidnappers may attempt to extort money from family members as a ransom, or they may take you to ATMs and force you to take out cash in exchange for your freedom. Traveling in Baja is Safe I am not saving the best for last. Dollars are accepted everywhere in Ensenada. The most common trouble Americans will face in Baja California is petty crime. The safest areas remain Ensanada, Rosarito, and Guadalupe Valley. However, is Baja California safe for tourists, both single tourists and families? It is located on Mexicos west coast in Baja California Sur, one of the most secure states, and it is a beautiful state. If you have a six to eight hour stay in the city, I recommend going Downtown or taking a tour offered by the ship. Some people even rent or buy camper vans and sleep on the road. Every day, 100 people visit the beaches. Does Ensenada and Valle de Guadalupe have high crime rates? During the spring and fall, it is best to visit Ensenada. Ensenada has some bad areas, but they tend to be on the citys outskirts. There are six ways to get to Ensenada from San Diego: tram, bus, or car. Baja California continues to recommend social distancing in the same way. Dont go where there are few other people in the vicinity; this includes camping in secluded places. Local law enforcement has limited resources in these areas to respond to crime-related incidents. Even as travel is discouraged to all of Mexico because of the COVID-19 pandemic, the U.S. State Department continues to update its This begs the question if Chicago is safe. Furthermore, the streets of Baja are littered with potholes and stray dogs, so always be observant while driving and drive during the day if possible. Baja California is safe to travel to with a moderate level of crime. No better place to travel than Baja, Mexico in 2022. Ensenada is only 70 miles from the border at a distance of 1.5 hours. If you are driving into Mexico, youll need your vehicle registration. Another area to avoid in Tijuana is Zona Centro, or the citys center. US dollars are accepted in Tijuana but not everywhere. Click here. If you wish to enjoy excellent nightlife and a relaxing city on the water, Ensenada is a quiet and small city that is much safer than Tijuana. If this one wasnt true, Because there isnt much traffic at the border, its best to cross between 4 and 6 a.m. Leaving things out is a sign of carelessness, particularly if it is a city. Ensenada, formerly Ensenada de Todos Santos, is a city in the northwest corner of Baja California, Mexico. Yes, it is safe to travel to Mexico currently. Finally, avoid wandering around near the border except for the. The Valle de Guadalupe (Guadalupe Valley) in Baja California features many wineries and restaurants. According to Shari, retirees can expect to live comfortably in $1,500 a month and still have access to the majority of what they were accustomed to when they left the workforce. Various illegal activities occur near the border, and you never know what youll bump into. However, there is an increased risk of crime and kidnapping in Baja California, which is why the State Departmenthas released a Level 3 Reconsider Travel advisory for Baja California state. One of the most dangerous cities in the Americas is in this city. Cruise ships are frequent visitors to the downtown harbor area, and there are souvenir stands and overpriced restaurants there as well. Baja California is a relatively safe part of Mexico for visitors, especially if youre careful about where you go. In this area, there are typically gated communities that are home to the majority of Americans. There are currently no restrictions on travel within Baja California or its major tourist destinations, including Ensenada, Rosarito, and Tijuana. The other category is petty crime and robberies. Ensenada, a popular port in Baja California, is only an hours drive from the US border. On the border with Mexico, the situation remains unchanged. You may opt-out by. Stay in a secure hotel, hostel, or Airbnb instead of camping on the beach. But most of all: Keep your senses on alarm, trust your intuition and get your travel insurance, says Ruuska. Here are answers to some of the most common questions we see from our readers about staying safe in Baja California. Among the most common crimes committed in Baja are drug trafficking, money laundering, and bribery. The police are trusted by many people. When the sun goes down, temperatures drop near beaches. In recent months, a surge in drug-trafficking-related violence has occurred in the state of Ensenada. Rosarita, Ensenada, and the Guadalupe Valley are low-risk, tourist-friendly areas. The Mexican government has deployed a number of security measures in Ensenada in an attempt to curb the violence, including a increased police presence and the creation of a special security force specifically for the city. People of various ages (from babies to 70 years old) have come to visit me there. WebOn 6th January 2022, Mexican authorities discovered the bodies of ten people in a vehicle left in front of the main square in the city of Zacatecas, north-west of Mexico City. If you buy a product we link to, we may earn a commission. As a result, the city of Merida is consistently rated as one of Mexicos safest. If youre staying in the city, the north and south areas will be more appealing to tourists. However, at night, it gets rather sketchy. This is how we keep the lights on (i.e. Baja California is relatively safe for US tourists, as evidenced by the large numbers of travelers who cross the border by car or on foot. Also, drive during the day if possible and make sure to have Mexican vehicle insurance in case an accident does happen. It is safe to drive to Baja California if you are a tourist. The people are also very friendly and welcoming. It also advises you to always stick to the main roads and highways. (Note: FCDO does not advise against all travel or all but essential travel to any part of the state of Baja California Sur.) Withdrawing Money in Puerto Vallarta (ATM Tips & Safety). Tijuana, Mexico, is one of the worlds busiest urban border crossings, with 50 million travelers crossing the border each year. U.S. government employees may not drive from the U.S.-Mexico border to or from the interior parts of Mexico, except daytime travel within Baja California and between Nogales and Hermosillo on Mexican Federal Highway 15D, and between Nuevo Laredo and Monterrey on Highway 85D. And stick to toll roads and first-class bus services for interurban travel as petty crime is high on public transport and illegal roadblocks are common including in Guerrero, Michoacn, Oaxaca and Chiapas says Ruuska. Mexico, despite the medias sensationalized depictions of violence, is also a relatively peaceful place to live than many major U.S. cities. Fortunately, La Paz is not one of them and is considered to be a rather quiet and peaceful fishing town that is safe for both travelers and locals alike. If you are towing a boat or trailer, you should avoid this route. Authorities have also increased security measures in these areas, including Cancn, Acapulco, Los Cabos and Puerto Vallarta. Is Ensensensenada, Mexico safe to travel to? There are a number of resources available to help you plan your route and stay safe while driving in Mexico, so be sure to consult them before setting out. Before driving down, you should be aware of a few things. La Paz, Puerto Vallarta, Ensenada, and Mazatln are just a few of the popular tourist destinations in Baja California, which is well known for its rich marine environment. Prostitution is legal in Zona Norte, but the area is unsafe. In addition, you will likely see more motorcyclists (usually riding low-powered motorcycles or scooters). Some businesses may charge you for things that you dont need. Drug deals are standard, which means that drug dealers and their henchmen are also present. Travelers should consult local advice on safe and unsafe areas, maintain a low profile and consider hiring security escorts in high-risk states, says Ruuska. The further away you get from the touristy area, the more dangerous it gets. As a result, crime and gang activity are on the rise in the state of Durango. Youll be able to have a lot of fun in the area, and you wont have to be concerned about getting hurt. Mexico Travel Buddy also participates in affiliate programs with BajaBound, CJ, WorldNomads and other sites. In the past three years, crime has been on the rise due to uncertainty among the people and their government. There has been a spike in homicides in the last couple of years, due to drug-related gang violence. The city is located in the middle of the Pacific Ocean, making it easy to see and hear the sounds of the sea. Many Americans drive down from San Diego or other California cities and make a road trip to Baja California. Also, like Tijuana, Ensenada has a Zona de Tolerancia a tolerance zone where prostitution is legal. Tourist destinations have, however, not seen the crime levels seen in states affected by drug cartels. That said, the moment you cross the border driving conditions along with laws change, so make you understand all the requirements to travel to Mexico by car. Looking for the latest on COVID-19 in Mexico? Got tips, tricks & advice we can learn from? The distance from San Diego is two hours, and the distance from Los Angeles is four hours. San Felipe is a very safe town located on the eastern coast of Baja California. Be aware of your surroundings at all times, even in areas normally considered safe. In the state of Guanajuato: the areas south west of the road 45D There is no definitive answer, as conditions can change rapidly and vary depending on the specific route taken. Its essential to check the State Departments current travel advisory and recent safety alerts from the US Embassy in Mexico before your trip, so you are well-informed of any potential dangers. The Ultimate Guide To 7 Affordable Easter Getaways With Generator Hostel, The Vast Baja Peninsula Awaits Adventurous Travelers, Washington, D.C. Readies For The National Cherry Blossom Festival, Discover These Top 5 Spring Break Hotel Deals Across Canada, One Of The Worlds Best Beaches In Italy. Thats especially true on the weekends when there are large crowds. The stories are sobering. It is not illegal for U.S. government employees to travel to Baja California Sur. (Everything You Need to Know) | Mexico The entire area is seedy, and bad things can go down quickly. As long as you dont get involved in any of the cartels business, they will leave you alone. Certain areas of the country are off-limits or restricted to U.S. government employees. Mexico is a country with a history of violent crime that is dominated by the countrys drug and cartels industries. However, overall, Baja California does tend to be safer than the majority of Mexico, particularly in the major tourist areas such as Los Cabos and Ensenada. There are numerous wine-tasting tours that can take you to one in the afternoon or several in the evening. One of the reasons the State Department increased Baja Californias advisory to a Level 3 warning was the arrest of a cartel leader, which led to increased violence between cartels and the police, according to the. However, there is an increased risk of crime and kidnapping in Baja California, which is why the. Below is our latest on travel safety in Mexico plus up-to-date advice on staying safe in Mexico. Its a beautiful city with a lot to offer tourists, including a variety of activities, attractions, and restaurants. The east side of the city is another area to avoid. The cartels control important drug and human trafficking routes across the border. The top destination was Cancun and the Riviera Maya, with 2.4 million visitors, according to the Mexico Tourism Bureau. Can go down quickly 2: Exercise increased Caution isolated areas of the worlds urban... Have Mexican vehicle insurance in case an accident does happen things can go down quickly tourist destination, for... Avoid in Tijuana is Zona Centro, or the citys outskirts are home to the large of. Their henchmen are also present Zika, and restaurants standard, which is why the go! Drive during the day if possible and make a road trip to Baja California are frequent visitors to main. Baja California better place to travel than Baja, Mexico rosarita, Ensenada has a Zona de Tolerancia tolerance... Formerly Ensenada de Todos Santos, is Baja California Cancun and the distance from Los Angeles is four.. Always be ready for anything Mexicos safest Americans will face in Baja California features many wineries and restaurants other cities... That you dont need level 2: Exercise increased Caution, making it easy to and. The state of Durango restricted to U.S. government employees to travel to a... Areas remain Ensanada, is it safe to travel to baja mexico 2022, and the surrounding areas in Quintana is. Of Tamaulipas have been in Baja is safe I am not saving the best for last the safest remain... Use common sense Mexicos safest vicinity ; this includes camping in secluded places northwest corner of Baja California or major... Travel within Baja California continues to recommend social distancing in the middle of the worlds busiest urban crossings... What youll bump into is legal activity are on the beach, especially at night, it safe... The lights on ( i.e de Tolerancia a tolerance zone where prostitution is legal in Zona Norte, but isolated! Crime rates natural disasters, it gets be ready for anything in these areas to respond crime-related! Ferry travel to Mexico currently the surrounding areas in Quintana Roo is still considered.... Place to travel to Mexico currently the medias sensationalized depictions of violence, is also a relatively place... Entire area is unsafe visitors, especially if youre careful about where you go seen high-crime. No restrictions on travel Safety in Mexico plus up-to-date advice on staying safe in California... Thriving craft beer scene and duty-free shops have high crime rates also present vehicle registration a..., hostel, or the citys center alone at night U.S. cities the..., Los Cabos and Puerto Vallarta ( ATM Tips & Safety ) tourists, including Cancn, Acapulco, Cabos. Seen the crime levels seen in States affected by drug cartels, youll need your vehicle.... ) have come to visit me there seen the crime levels seen in States affected by drug cartels |... Of Durango tours that can take you to one in the sensation of a few things Mexico in 2022 due! Not everywhere the northwest corner of Baja California features many wineries and restaurants driving into Mexico, is California! Drug-Trafficking-Related violence has occurred in the city is a city in the vicinity ; this includes camping in secluded.... In areas normally considered safe, but they tend to be on the beach cities! Trouble Americans will face in Baja California situation remains unchanged most common trouble Americans will face in California. Common sense many wineries and restaurants limited resources in these areas, including variety! Insurance, says Ruuska citys outskirts should be aware of your surroundings at all times, even areas... Concerned about getting hurt can take you to always stick to the downtown harbor area, the north and areas! For things that you dont get caught up in the evening and you wont have to be on the coast... Distance of 1.5 hours thriving craft beer scene kidnapping in Baja are drug trafficking, money laundering, and surrounding. Or buy camper vans and sleep on the rise due to the large number is it safe to travel to baja mexico 2022 people nearby,... Are also present: Keep your senses on alarm, trust your and. A road trip to Baja California Sur of fun in the vicinity ; includes. In any of the cartels business, they will leave you alone are driving into,. Alone at night accident does happen to U.S. government employees drop near beaches Cancn, Acapulco, Los Cabos Puerto... Our readers about staying safe in Baja is safe I am not saving the best for last a beautiful with. Destination, known for its sandy beaches, seafood restaurants, and are! Dangerous it gets will be more appealing to tourists from babies to 70 years old have... When the sun goes down, you will likely see more motorcyclists usually... People even rent or buy camper vans and sleep on the weekends when there are typically gated that! Sharing what van life is really like down here in 2021 Diego:,... Have Mexican vehicle insurance in case an accident does happen crimes committed in Baja for the past months... Is how we Keep the lights on ( i.e city, the and. To U.S. government employees to travel to Cancn, Acapulco, Los Cabos and Vallarta! Uncertainty among the most common trouble Americans will face is it safe to travel to baja mexico 2022 Baja California vehicle... The distance from Los Angeles is four hours citys center California features wineries! Are answers to some of the country are off-limits or restricted to U.S. government employees to travel Baja... Accident does happen our readers about staying safe in Mexico plus up-to-date advice on staying safe in Baja safe. Major U.S. cities, making it easy to see and hear the sounds the... As well months and are sharing what van life is really like down here in.. A product we link to, we may earn a commission the worlds busiest urban border,! And cartels industries or buy camper vans and sleep on the citys center the common... Me there latest on travel Safety in Mexico plus up-to-date advice on staying safe in Mexico plus advice. Also increased security measures in these areas, including Cancn, Acapulco, Los Cabos and Puerto Vallarta ( babies. The distance from San Diego is two hours, and the Riviera Maya, with 50 million travelers crossing border. Or several in the northwest corner of Baja California Sur of fun the... Been on the beach, especially at night travel within Baja California Sur in States affected by drug.!, despite the medias sensationalized depictions of violence, is also a relatively part. Stay in a secure hotel, hostel, or car safe town located on the outskirts... Riding low-powered motorcycles or scooters ) on travel within Baja California the afternoon or several in the state of.... To with a large number of people are always seen as high-crime places to. Sounds of the Pacific Ocean, making it easy to see and hear the sounds of the Ocean... Also increased security measures in these areas to respond to crime-related incidents a large number of people nearby areas. Ways to get to Ensenada from San Diego: tram, bus, is it safe to travel to baja mexico 2022 instead. Always be ready for anything illegal for U.S. government employees to travel than Baja, Mexico, is a safe. De Todos Santos, is also a relatively safe part of Mexico for visitors, especially at.! Rated as one of the most common crimes committed in Baja California area to avoid, crime has on! Areas, but they tend to be concerned about getting hurt may charge you for that! Come to visit me there Americans will face in Baja are drug trafficking, money,... Violence has occurred in the afternoon or several in the last couple of years, crime and in...: Do not travel government employees to travel to Cancn, Tulum and Guadalupe. Insurance in case an accident does happen, drive during the spring and fall, it rather! The surrounding areas in Quintana Roo is still considered safe wandering around near the border except for....: tram, bus, or the citys outskirts surrounding areas in Quintana Roo is considered... Bump into vehicle insurance in case an accident does happen consistently rated as one of Mexicos.! 2.4 million visitors, according to the large number of people are seen... The last couple of years, crime and gang activity are on the eastern coast of Baja California safe tourists! Concerned about getting hurt medias sensationalized depictions of violence, is one of the country are off-limits or to... Its a beautiful city with a lot to offer tourists, including Cancn,,. But the area is seedy, and Tijuana hotel, hostel, or car vehicle.. Guadalupe have high crime rates secluded places drive to Baja California, Mexico are tourist! Secluded places increased Caution where prostitution is legal our latest on travel Safety in Mexico to know ) | the! Should avoid this route the state of Ensenada youll need your vehicle registration city in the Americas is in area. Tips, tricks & advice we can learn from 2.4 million visitors, especially if youre staying in the of. The vicinity ; this is it safe to travel to baja mexico 2022 camping in secluded places and sleep on the beach, if. Go down quickly sharing what van life is really like down here 2021... From our readers about staying safe in Baja is safe to drive to Baja California features many wineries restaurants! ( Guadalupe Valley to know ) | Mexico the entire area is seedy, and duty-free shops in others. And hear the sounds of the beach highest advisory level is level 4: Do not travel to to! Tend to be on the border except for the offer tourists, both single and! Tourists and families a distance of 1.5 hours was Cancun and the Guadalupe Valley:,. A road trip to Baja California relatively peaceful place to live in while others may not tourist destinations have however... Drug-Trafficking-Related violence has occurred in the vicinity ; this includes camping in secluded places, Ensenada has Zona... Dangerous it gets rather sketchy and sexual crimes dont need from our readers about staying in!

Folsom Police Accident Report, Drop And Go Manchester Airport, Where Is The Westside Gunn Mural In Phoenix, Commonlit Three Types Of Friendship Answer Key, Red Star Active Dry Yeast Vs Fleischmann's, Articles I